Processing keyword: Noun 並み (~nami)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun 並み (~nami)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ~並み (~なみ), which is used to express that someone or something is "on the same level as" or "equivalent to" a particular noun. This structure is handy when comparing abilities, qualities, or quantities, and it can add depth to your descriptions in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The suffix ~並み attaches to a noun to indicate that the subject is equivalent to or on par with that noun. It conveys the idea of matching in degree, level, or status.

Structure

Formation:

Noun	+ 並み
プロ	並み
子供	並み
天才	並み

• Noun + 並み

Detailed Explanation

• 直接名詞に付く: ~並み attaches directly to nouns without any additional particles.
• 程度やレベルを示す: Indicates that something is as much as, as good as, or on the same level as the noun it follows.
• 肯定的な意味合い: Often used to express admiration or highlight a noteworthy level of ability or quality.

Visual Aid: Usage Diagram

[Subject] + は + [Comparison Noun] + 並み + の/に + [Attribute/Verb]
彼はプロ並みの腕前だ。
    │       │
    │       └── Having skills like a professional
    └── He

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Meaning	Example
~ほど	To the extent of, As much as	彼はプロほど上手だ。 (He is as skilled as a pro.)
~くらい/ぐらい	Approximately, About the same as	子供くらいの背だ。 (He's about the height of a child.)
~のように	Like, In the manner of	鳥のように飛べる。 (Can fly like a bird.)
~並み	Equivalent to, On the same level as	彼女はモデル並みに美しい。 (She's as beautiful as a model.)

• Difference: ~並み specifically highlights equivalence in level or degree, often implying a noteworthy comparison, while other expressions may denote similarity without the same emphasis on equivalence.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 彼はプロ並みの腕前だ。
   • Kare wa puro-nami no udemae da.
   • He has skills on par with a professional.
2. 彼女はモデル並みに美しい。
   • Kanojo wa moderu-nami ni utsukushii.
   • She is as beautiful as a model.
3. この車は新車並みの性能だ。
   • Kono kuruma wa shinsha-nami no seinō da.
   • This car has performance equivalent to a new car.
4. 彼の記憶力は天才並みだ。
   • Kare no kiokuryoku wa tensai-nami da.
   • His memory is on par with a genius.
5. 彼らはプロ選手並みに練習している。
   • Karera wa puro senshu-nami ni renshū shite iru.
   • They are practicing as much as professional athletes.

Context Variations

• Formal Written Context: 当社の製品は海外ブランド並みの品質を誇っています。 Tōsha no seihin wa kaigai burando-nami no hinshitsu o hokotte imasu. Our company's products boast quality equivalent to overseas brands.
• Informal Spoken Context: 昨日の飲み会は祭り並みに盛り上がったね！ Kinō no nomikai wa matsuri-nami ni moriagatta ne! Yesterday's party was as lively as a festival!
• Practical Usage: この店のラーメンは一流店並みだ。 Kono mise no rāmen wa ichiryū-ten nami da. The ramen at this shop is as good as that of a top-tier restaurant.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Expressing Admiration: In Japanese culture, modesty is valued, so using ~並み can be a polite way to compliment someone, acknowledging their abilities without excessive praise.
• Levels of Politeness: The grammar point ~並み is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various social situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 世間並み (せけん なみ): Seken nami - Average, Ordinary.
  • 彼は世間並みの生活に満足している。
    • Kare wa seken-nami no seikatsu ni manzoku shite iru.
    • He is satisfied with an ordinary life.
• 人並み (ひとなみ): Hito nami - Like most people, Average level.
  • 彼女は人並みに幸せになりたい。
    • Kanojo wa hito-nami ni shiawase ni naritai.
    • She wants to be happy like everyone else.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Attachment: Attaching ~並み to verbs or adjectives.
  • Incorrect: 速く走る並みの能力がある。
  • Correct: プロ並みの速さで走る能力がある。
• Omitting Particles: Forgetting the particle の or に after ~並み.
  • Incorrect: 彼はプロ並み腕前だ。
  • Correct: 彼はプロ並みの腕前だ.
• Using with Non-Comparable Nouns: Using ~並み with nouns that don't represent a standard or level.
  • Avoid attaching ~並み to nouns that don't provide a clear benchmark for comparison.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate 並み (なみ) with "line up" or "align"—think of lining up levels to be the same.
• Practice with Common Nouns: Start by practicing with nouns that represent high standards (e.g., プロ, 天才, モデル) to get comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~並み attaches directly to nouns to express equivalence in level, ability, or degree.
• It is used to highlight that someone or something is on par with the noun it follows.
• Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express comparisons.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate the following sentence using ~並み: "She runs as fast as a professional athlete." Answer: 彼女はプロ選手並みに速く走る。
2. Identify and correct the mistake: 彼は天才並み頭脳を持っている。 Answer: Missing particle の. Corrected Sentence: 彼は天才並みの頭脳を持っている。
3. Explain the meaning of this sentence: この映画はハリウッド並みの迫力がある。 Answer: This movie has the same impact as a Hollywood film.

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By mastering ~並み, you can make more nuanced comparisons and express levels of equivalence in Japanese, enhancing both your written and spoken communication skills.

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